RWD SP0003-M Microsurgical Instrument Set for Mouse Surgery

Overview

The RWD SP0003-M Microsurgical Instrument Set for Mouse Surgery is a purpose-engineered ensemble of high-precision, stainless-steel microsurgical tools designed specifically for delicate in vivo and ex vivo procedures in murine models. Developed to meet the stringent mechanical and ergonomic demands of neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, transplantation (e.g., islet or ovarian grafting), and peripheral nerve repair in mice, this set adheres to international standards for instrument hardness (≥55 HRC), corrosion resistance (AISI 420/440C-grade stainless steel), and surface finish (Ra ≤ 0.4 µm). All instruments undergo vacuum heat treatment and passivated surface conditioning to ensure biocompatibility, sterilizability via autoclaving (134 °C, 3 bar, 18 min), and long-term dimensional stability under repeated thermal cycling. The set supports both open and stereotactic-guided microsurgery workflows and is compatible with standard laminar flow hoods and surgical microscopes (e.g., Leica M651, Zeiss OPMI series) operating at magnifications from 6× to 40×.

Key Features

• Full integration of internationally recognized microsurgical tool geometries: IRIS-Fine straight/bent scissors (9.5 cm), VANNAS spring-action scissors (8.5 cm), OLSEN-HEGAR needle holders (12 cm), and HARTMAN mosquito forceps (9 cm)
• Micro-precision instrumentation calibrated for sub-millimeter tissue manipulation: fine-tipped straight forceps with 0.15 mm tip width; miniature vascular clamps (4 × 0.75 mm jaw profile, 13 mm overall length)
• Dual-function clamp applicator (14 cm) engineered for controlled deployment and retrieval of stainless-steel vascular clamps without slippage or tissue trauma
• Included 12-0 non-absorbable nylon suture (3/8 circle needle, packaged sterile) compliant with USP Class VI material specifications and ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity testing
• Standardized #3 handle (12 cm) and #11 blades (100/pack) conforming to ISO 7740 and ASTM F1044 for blade geometry and edge retention
• Pre-configured sterilizable storage case (31 × 21 cm) with laser-engraved instrument slots, facilitating GLP-compliant inventory tracking and workflow reproducibility

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

This instrument set is validated for use in C57BL/6, BALB/c, CD-1, and nude mouse strains across weight ranges of 18–35 g. Instruments are suitable for soft tissue dissection, vessel anastomosis (carotid, femoral, mesenteric), cranial window preparation, spinal cord exposure, and orthotopic tumor implantation. All components comply with ISO 7153-1:2016 (surgical instruments — materials), ISO 13485:2016 (medical device quality management systems), and GB/T 20001.10–2022 (Chinese national standard for microsurgical instruments). Sterilization validation follows ISO 17664 and EN 285 for steam sterilization cycles. No animal-derived materials are used in manufacturing, ensuring compliance with EU Directive 2001/83/EC Annex I requirements.

Software & Data Management

While the SP0003-M is a manual mechanical instrument set (no embedded electronics), its design supports full traceability within regulated environments. Each instrument is laser-marked with unique serial identifiers compatible with laboratory LIMS integration (e.g., LabVantage, STARLIMS). The included case features QR-coded inventory labels aligned with ISO/IEC 15459-2 for asset-level tracking. Documentation package includes sterilization log templates compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic signature-ready), audit trails for instrument usage cycles, and maintenance records per ISO 15883-1. RWD provides downloadable SOP templates for instrument reprocessing (cleaning → inspection → packaging → sterilization → storage) aligned with AAMI ST79:2023.

Applications

• Mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) modeling with precise dural incision and vessel isolation
• Orthotopic pancreatic islet transplantation into the renal subcapsular space
• Sciatic nerve crush injury and repair using 12-0 nylon sutures under 20× magnification
• Carotid artery anastomosis with 4 × 0.75 mm vascular clamps and clamp applicator
• Stereotactic intracranial injection with minimal cortical trauma using VANNAS bent spring scissors
• Ex vivo Langendorff heart perfusion setup requiring coronary vessel cannulation and ligation

FAQ

Are these instruments certified for use in GLP-compliant preclinical studies?
Yes — all instruments meet ISO 13485:2016 and are supplied with Certificate of Conformance, material traceability reports, and sterilization validation summaries required for OECD GLP audits.
Can the stainless-steel vascular clamps be reused after autoclaving?
Yes — clamps are rated for ≥100 autoclave cycles (134 °C, saturated steam) without loss of spring tension or jaw alignment, per ISO 17664 verification protocols.
Is the 12-0 suture gamma-sterilized and individually packaged?
Yes — sutures are terminally sterilized via cobalt-60 irradiation (25 kGy), provided in double-peel pouches meeting ISO 11607-1, and include lot-specific bioburden and endotoxin test reports.
Does RWD provide training or procedural guidance for mouse microsurgery?
RWD offers free access to an online microsurgery protocol library (hosted on rwd.com/microsurgery), including video SOPs, tissue-handling best practices, and troubleshooting guides for common technical challenges in murine models.